STATEHOUSE (April 11, 2023) – State Rep. Jim Pressel's (R-Rolling Prairie) legislation to improve Hoosier highway worksite safety by using speed enforcement cameras, is headed to the governor's desk where it could soon be signed into law.
According to Pressel, chair of the House Roads and Transportation Committee, House Enrolled Act 1015 will create a pilot program to place automated speed enforcement cameras in up to four active work zones to deter speeding and save lives.
"We need drivers to slow down in active work zones," Pressel said. "If you follow the speed limit, then you are protecting the workers and yourself. This will save lives."
According to the Indiana Department of Transportation, 31 deaths and 1,426 injuries occurred in work zones last year. A total of 7,047 work-zone crashes in the U.S. were reported in 2022.
Pressel said photos could only be taken of the rear of the vehicle to capture the license plate, and the photos could not be used beyond their purpose of issuing speeding citations unless authorized by court order. In addition, red light cameras will continue to be prohibited as part of this legislation.
Citations would be issued to those traveling at least 11 miles over the work zone speed limit with workers present. Civil penalties for offenses caught on camera would include a written warning for the first violation, a $75 fine for the second violation and a $150 fine for the third violation. To gauge the pilot program's effectiveness, key data on the number of accidents, injuries and violations issued, would be reported to legislators by 2028.
Pressel said at least 10 states including Illinois and Pennsylvania have legislatively authorized speed cameras to be utilized in highway work or construction zones. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, their automated work zone speed enforcement program has led to a 25% reduction of fatal crashes in work zones.
To follow legislation considered for new laws by the governor, visit in.gov/gov/newsroom/2023-bill-watch/.
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State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) represents House District 20,
which includes portions of LaPorte and Starke counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
